Rotation Question

[anesonia]

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First, thanks to everyone for such an informative forum- I've been reading it for quite some time and have just now gotten a username!

I'm currently an MSIII and would like to do an away rotation next year. Do most people apply to several anesthesia programs to do an away and then just pick the one(s) that work with their schedule or is this considered "bad form"? I guess I'm a little nervous about applying to only one in the case that my schedule would not work with that particular program.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[sevogirl]

This early on I would just apply for your top choice. Make sure you call every month to check on your status, when you will know, etc...If you don't hear back or they say no in a couple months, apply for your next choice. You shouldn't have any problem. I didn't and I applied in May. Hope this helps! 🙂

 

[jennyboo]

First, thanks to everyone for such an informative forum- I've been reading it for quite some time and have just now gotten a username!

I'm currently an MSIII and would like to do an away rotation next year. Do most people apply to several anesthesia programs to do an away and then just pick the one(s) that work with their schedule or is this considered "bad form"? I guess I'm a little nervous about applying to only one in the case that my schedule would not work with that particular program.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

I think the plan you propose (apply as many as you want now, turn them down later) is smart and you should simply take your own advice. The only thing I'd add to that is that you should choose your programs and start your applications NOW. Assume it'll take at least a couple weeks to get together any necessary letters of recommendations and stamps of approval from your dean's office. Send out your apps early and you'll hear back early with confirmed spots.

By summer, spots at most desirable programs will be filled up and you wouldn't be able to get a rotation if you applied at that time. They fill first come first serve, so don't miss the boat.

 

[climbingdocs]

I have similar problem. I know that if you are a visiting students, they won't take your application till march or even may at some programs. So I am not sure if it's better to send it now and have the applications lay there or send it on the first day they take them. Also in early summer they will take their own students first and then consider visitors. I already filled out my applications and gave them to my school. My school will attach the rest of the info and will send it on the day they are due. So I hope it will work out for me.

 

[anesonia]

Thanks for the input- I think I'll just apply to several because, as climbindocs stated, many of the programs won't let us know until the summer when it is too late to apply to other programs. Surely as long as I let the schools know well ahead of time that I would not be coming for the rotation it wouldn't look bad or affect my residency application in the future. Hopefully I'll get at least one that I would like to do....

 

[jennyboo]

As long as you send in the application before the program's stated deadline for the month you want to rotate there, you should be okay. Obviously, the earlier you send it the better since they are first come first serve. There's no harm in sending the application if they allow it and letting it sit on their desks for a while. That way, you have the early postmark in your favor. Do, of course, check back to make sure they've received it and haven't lost it.

Another trick that worked for me was to phone/email the rotation coordinator to tell them you've applied, and to inquire whether there are any spots left. One secretary emailed me back and said, "Yes we have spots, I'll pencil you in and look for your application in the mail!" So I'd managed to secure my spot even before sending in the application! 👍

Cancel early in order to be courteous. But I doubt the program keeps tabs on such things and it almost certainly won't affect what they think of you if/when you apply to their program for residency.

 

[AnesCoord]

Just some jee whiz info, not intended to burst your bubble or anything. Our school is implementing a much tougher screening process this year for external applicants (would like to see your Step I score, etc.) in many of the residency programs (participation by the program is voluntary). Many programs (ours included) had some bad experiences this interview season. We, for example, accepted an applicant in May to rotate in November (prime interview time), but of course, hadn't recieved her ERAS application at the time we accepted her. By the time she arrived we had seen her application, and it was pretty unacceptable. Her performance during the rotation didn't do much to make up for it either. But then she had the nerve to get quite nasty with the PD when she was told she would not be offered an interview! As a result, we will now screen fourth year students more carefully, and try to only accept those who we would also be likely to invite to interview for our residency program.